51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha - Las Vegas Race Report

51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha

Las Vegas Race Report

Livingston, CA. (May 8, 2017)- As the finale of the AMA Supercross Series entered Las Vegas, the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Team looked to improve upon two Top 10 results from the Salt Lake SX. With an Autograph Signing the Friday prior and a hotel off the Vegas strip, Tyler Bowers and Hayden Mellross had a mellow night, plenty of water to hydrate for the triple digit temperatures, and a good night of rest. The Vegas SX is an anomaly for 250 riders as the best of the West meet the best of the East for a year-end battle; an epic showdown that lived up to the hype.

With Heat races virtual coast-specific Main Events, there was no margin for error to transfer to the Main. Even with great jumps out of the gate, the entire 250 field pushed wide into turn one, forcing Bowers and Mellross into a come-from-behind situation. While both riders had impressive lap times, the front of the pack was just out of reach and the #52 and #64 would fall just short of a direct trip to the main event.

The 51FIFTY Yamaha YZ250F riders proved to be the fastest in the 250 LCQ; a clearer track for Bowers than Hayden with both finishing the race in 1st and 2nd. Bowers exited the first turn with a clear track while Mellross was a bit tangled and back in 6th. Bowers would go unchallenged for the entirety of the LCQ as he led every lap while setting the fastest lap of the race. Hayden quickly worked his way into 2nd; a great site as with both 51FIFTY riders up front and leading the field with thousands of cheering fans packed inside Sam Boyd Stadium. It would be Bowers and Mellross going 1-2 and then a short break before lining up one last time in the season finale.

Chaos ensued in the first turn of the 250 Shootout; however, both of the 51FIFTY riders came out unscathed and ready to lay it all on the line. Mellross and Bowers finessed their way through the first rhythm section and toward the front pack of riders. Unaware of the insanity around them, team 51FIFTY proceeded to run up front. Bowers battled for position inside the top 10 while Mellross raced up front in 3rd. Hayden Mellross #64 rode a career-best pace in 3rd for a majority of the race as he followed the lead lines up front with the world's best 250 racers.

With a few minutes left on the clock, a charging pack of championship contenders racers swarmed the young Australian. He put up a valiant fight and would ultimately cross the line in 8th. Bowers rode up near the front for most of the race; however, being out a few weeks with a broken femur has limited his endurance. Up against the best 40 racers (East+West) to start the night, an LCQ win and Main results of 8th and 15th, it was solid performance for the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha team.

"What a race," exclaimed Mellross after the action was over. "I had no idea what was going on behind me, but I was able to click off lap after lap. I saw my number on the leader's pole and thought '3rd?! Okay I can do this.' I tried to ride just like I do on my practice track at home. I made a few mistakes late and it cost me but I'm happy with 8th. Thanks to 51FIFTY Energy Drink, Allied Packaging, all our sponsors, and the entire team for making this season one to remember."

"A few years ago I was winning these things," Bowers said laughing in his LCQ post-race interview. "We killed it in the LCQ but didn't seem to have it in the main. There was so much on the line for these guys tonight and the pace was so high all night. It's the last race of the season and I really wanted to get out of here healthy, which we did. The team has been awesome this year and I can't thank them enough."

As the curtains closed on another exciting year of Supercross, the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha team claimed 11th (Mellross), 15th (Bowers), and 17th (McConahy) in the overall points standings. We're proud of what the team accomplished against not only all the great Factory squads but all the solid support teams and privateers. Thanks to all of our sponsors who've supported our efforts, team staff, and importantly, our riders.